Ignition device and method

ABSTRACT

An ignition device for a combustible material can include an infrared radiation source in a housing structured to direct the infrared radiation to the combustible material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to an ignition device and method for igniting a combustible material.

BACKGROUND

Ignition of combustible material typically can be accomplished heating a material to its ignition temperature, typically with fire from another burning fuel source such as propane gas, wood or other flame, or from an electric coil burner. Control of the ignition heat source can be challenging and can present a safety risk.

SUMMARY

In general, an ignition device for a combustible material can include an infrared radiation source in a housing structured to direct the infrared radiation to the combustible material. The combustible material can be charcoal, for example, charcoal for use in a hookah. In other circumstances, the combustible material can be tobacco for use in a hookah. The infrared radiation can be produced and directed in a controlled manner, making the ignition of the combustible material safer, quicker, more efficient and more reliable.

In one aspect, an ignition device includes a housing including an infrared radiation source associated with the housing, a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source and associated with the housing, and an infrared radiation reflector configured to direct the infrared radiation from the infrared radiation source to the combustible material ignition region. The combustible material ignition region can be fixed to the housing or detachable from the housing. The infrared radiation source associated with the housing can be partially contained in the housing, completely contained within the housing, or on a surface of the housing.

In another aspect, a method for igniting a combustible material can include exposing the combustible material to infrared radiation, the infrared radiation source associated with a housing, and the combustible material being in a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source and associated with the housing, the infrared radiation being directed from the infrared radiation source to the combustible material ignition region by an infrared radiation reflector. The infrared radiation source associated with the housing can be partially contained in the housing, completely contained within the housing, or on a surface of the housing.

In another aspect, an ignition device can include an infrared radiation including an electrical resistance filament in a bulb or tube with infrared transmittable glass shielding and a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source.

In certain circumstances, the infrared radiation reflector can be opposite the combustible material region relative to the infrared radiation source. In some circumstances, the infrared radiation reflector can be integral with the infrared radiation source. In some circumstances, the infrared radiation reflector can be curved or bent at least in part around the infrared radiation source with a concave portion facing the combustible material ignition region. The infrared radiation reflector can be configured to concentrate the radiation in a portion of the combustible material ignition region.

In certain circumstances, the infrared radiation source can include a single infrared emitter. In other circumstances, the infrared radiation source can include a plurality of infrared emitters. Each infrared emitter can be releasably attached to a socket within the housing.

In some embodiments, the combustible material ignition region can be on an outer surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the combustible material ignition region can be within the housing.

In certain circumstances, the combustible material ignition region can include a basket or container for containing the combustible material. The basket or container can be removable from the housing. The basket or container can have one or more openings or perforations to allow transmittance of radiation and to permit airflow.

Other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the following description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram depicting a schematic view of an ignition device.

FIG. 1B is a diagram depicting a schematic view of an ignition device.

FIG. 2A is a diagram depicting a perspective view of an ignition device.

FIG. 2B is a diagram depicting a top view of an ignition device.

FIG. 2C is a diagram depicting a side view of an ignition device.

FIG. 2D is a diagram depicting a side view of an ignition device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a section view of the ignition device of FIG. 2B along line A-A.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a section view of the ignition device of FIG. 2C along line D-D.

FIG. 5A is a diagram depicting a perspective view of an ignition device.

FIG. 5B is a diagram depicting a side view of an ignition device.

FIG. 5C is a diagram depicting a top view of an ignition device.

FIG. 5D is a diagram depicting a section view of the ignition device of FIG. 5C along line B-B.

FIG. 6A is a diagram depicting a perspective view of an ignition device.

FIG. 6B is a diagram depicting a top view of an ignition device.

FIG. 6C is a diagram depicting a section view of the ignition device of FIG. 6B along line A-A.

FIG. 6D is a diagram depicting a section view of the ignition device of FIG. 6B along line B-B.

FIG. 6E is a diagram depicting a side view of an ignition device.

FIG. 6F is a diagram depicting a section view of the ignition device of FIG. 6E along line D-D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an ignition device 1 includes a housing 10, which contains an infrared radiation source 20, a combustible material ignition region 30, and an infrared radiation reflector 40 configured to direct the infrared radiation from the infrared radiation source 20 to the combustible material ignition region 30. In this configuration, the infrared radiation is directed in a controlled manner to the combustible material region to ignite the material placed in the region.

The infrared radiation source is a source of infrared radiation free of a flame or other direct conduction type heating element, such as, for example, a heating coil. The infrared radiation source can be an electrical resistance filament implemented with infrared transmittable glass shielding. The infrared radiation source can be an infrared lamp, such as a filament in a bulb. The infrared radiation source is selected to provide adequate infrared energy to ignite a combustible material, such as combustible organic material, including charcoal or tobacco subjected to the radiation. The infrared radiation source can be a tube shaped bulb with at least one electrical contact. The filament can be a fiber of tungsten, carbon, iron, nickel, chromium or aluminum, or alloy thereof. The filament can be protected by a glass plate or sheath, such as a quartz tube. The infrared radiation source can be sealed and, optionally, gas filled. The infrared radiation source can be a halogen type bulb. The protective material can be tinted or partially reflective to reduce the amount of visible light transmitted to the combustible material ignition region, which can make it safer for a user to view. This can advantageously reduce the brightness of the device. The infrared radiation source can include a halogen gas. The infrared radiation source can emit radiation in a wavelength range of 780 nm to 1 mm. The infrared radiation source can be shaped in any form suitable for the device geometry. For example, the infrared radiation source can be in the form of, but not limited to long cylinder, U shape, round shape (coil or perimeter), helical or flat. The device can include 1, 2, 3, 4 or more infrared radiation sources. In some embodiments, the infrared radiation source can include a socket suitable for attachment and removal from the device. The infrared radiation source(s) may be placed on any single or multiple axis/dimension(s) in relation to the target combustible material. The infrared radiation source can be configured or distanced from target combustible material to control the operating temperature or lifetime of source. In certain embodiments, the infrared radiation source is maintained at a temperature below 1100° C.

The infrared radiation reflector can be positioned opposite the combustible material ignition region (FIGS. 1A and 1B). Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1B, the infrared radiation reflector can be integral with the infrared radiation source. For example, the reflector can be a coating on a portion of an interior or exterior surface of the infrared radiation source. The coating can be a metal or ceramic layer, for example, a gold layer. The coating can be plated onto the surface.

The infrared radiation reflector can include mirror, metal or other reflective material such as a metallized polymer film or ceramic coating. The infrared radiation reflector can include ceramic, steel, aluminum, gold, silver, or other film on a metal, glass or polymer substrate. The infrared radiation reflector can be a sculpted, flat, or sprayed-on reflector plate arranged to direct infrared radiation to the combustible material ignition region. The device can include a plurality of infrared radiation reflectors. The reflector can be removable for replacement.

The housing can include handles and insulated regions to protect the user. The housing can be constructed of die cast aluminum alloy, sheet metal, stainless steel, ceramic, ceramic coated steel, extruded aluminum, phenolic resin, polycarbonate, ABS, polybutylene terephthalate, nylon or combinations thereof. The housing can include insulation to reduce heat transfer with the user interface. Insulating can be done with a variety of materials including, but not limited to, thermoplastics, thermoset resins, ceramics, ceramic composites, wood, sheet metal, weaved fiber batting insulation or any combination of materials thereof. The insulating materials can be configured in single or multiple walls or layers which may optionally include ventilated air gaps or non-ventilated air gaps.

Certain designs of the device can include a cooling fan, which can serve the function of ventilating the housing and/or provide air or oxygen flow to the combustible material, which can speed the ignition rate. Some devices can include one or more heat shields on the outer interface to prevent direct user contact with very hot surfaces of the ignition region. The device can include an on/off switch, timing circuit, rheostat, temperature control (automatic or manually controlled), multiple voltage level settings or multiple time settings to provide variable ignition conditions for different combustible materials. The circuit containing these controls may contain an audible alarm. The device can be power by AC or DC current. The device can include a power control which may be built in the device, in line with the power cord or by remote control. The device can include an automatic shut off controlled by temperature sensor and/or user controlled time switches.

The device can include an ash tray at the base of the housing. The ash tray can be removable. At least a portion of the ash tray can include a portion of the reflector.

The combustible material ignition region can include a basket or container for containing the combustible material. The basket or container can be a removable basket/container can have a handle or a removable handle and contains the combustible material in relation to radiation source so as to maximize energy transfer and ignition efficiency. The device can include multiple containers or baskets. The basket can be shaped, formed, or designed for consistently shaped combustible materials (e.g., briquette type of any shape) or may be a container for any shape including irregular. The container or basket can be configured for easy removal from device.

Ignition of charcoal and/or tobacco by the methods and devices described here can be particularly advantageous in the context of hookah pipes. Hookah water pipes, also known as shisha water pipes because of the tobacco typically used, and restaurants providing hookahs are well known worldwide. A hookah is a water pipe having a tobacco reservoir/bowl, such as for shisha or other soaked tobacco, in fluid communication with a tobacco smoke feed tube that depends into a liquid, partially filling a smoke chamber with one or more hoses releasably attached to the water pipe in fluid communication with the smoke chamber for drawing air and resulting smoke from the tobacco through one or more hoses. Perforated foil is typically placed over the tobacco product and bowl for holding independently heated charcoal used to reduce harshness and accelerate ignition of the tobacco. Notwithstanding, starting the hookah so it ignites and remains ignited can be very difficult and time consuming. The difficulty arises because shisha comprises tobacco(s) that are flavored with moist additives, such as molasses, making it difficult to properly and efficiently ignite the tobacco and start the hookah. It is important to have an efficient way to ignite the tobacco and/or charcoal in an efficient and clean manner.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2D, 3 and 4, device 100 includes housing 110. Housing 110 includes a combustible material ignition region 120, which can include basket/container 130 having handle 140. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the infrared radiation source 200 can be coupled to the device by socket 210. The socket can permit simple replacement of the source. Infrared radiation reflector 250 is configured to direct the infrared radiation to the ignition region 120.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D, device 400 includes housing 410. Housing 410 includes a plurality combustible material ignition regions 420 which can include basket 430 having handle regions 440. The handle regions can include a mechanism for releasably attaching a handle. Referring to FIG. 5D, the infrared radiation sources 500, a plurality, can be coupled to the device by sockets (not shown). Infrared radiation reflectors 550 are configured to direct the infrared radiation to the ignition regions 420.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6F, device 700 includes housing 710. Housing 710 includes combustible material ignition region 720 which can include basket/container 730 having handle region 740. The handle region can include a mechanism for releasably attaching a handle. Referring to FIG. 6D, the infrared radiation source 800, a U shaped source, can be coupled to the device by sockets (not shown). Referring to FIG. 6F, source 800 is coupled to the device by socket 810. Region 720 is recessed into housing 710. Source 800 is a curved source.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ignition device comprising: a housing including: an infrared radiation source associated with the housing; a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source and associated with the housing; and an infrared radiation reflector configured to direct the infrared radiation from the infrared radiation source to the combustible material ignition region.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is opposite the combustible material region relative to the infrared radiation source.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is integral with the infrared radiation source.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is curved or bent at least in part around the infrared radiation source with a concave portion facing the combustible material ignition region.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is configured to concentrate the radiation in a portion of the combustible material ignition region.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a single infrared emitter.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the infrared emitter is releasably attached to a socket within the housing.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a plurality of infrared emitters.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein each of the infrared emitters is releasably attached to a socket within the housing.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the combustible material ignition region is on an outer surface of the housing.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the combustible material ignition region is within the housing.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the combustible material ignition region includes a basket for containing the combustible material.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the basket is removable from the housing.
 14. A method for igniting a combustible material comprising: exposing the combustible material to infrared radiation, the infrared radiation source associated with a housing, and the combustible material being in a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source and associated with the housing, the infrared radiation being directed from the infrared radiation source to the combustible material ignition region by an infrared radiation reflector.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is opposite the combustible material region relative to the infrared radiation source.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is integral with the infrared radiation source.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is curved or bent at least in part around the infrared radiation source with a concave portion facing the combustible material ignition region.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the infrared radiation reflector is configured to concentrate the radiation in a portion of the combustible material ignition region.
 19. The method of claim 14, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a single infrared emitter.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the infrared emitter is releasably attached to a socket within the housing.
 21. The method of claim 14, wherein the infrared radiation source includes a plurality of infrared emitters.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein each of the infrared emitters is releasably attached to a socket within the housing.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein the combustible material ignition region is on an outer surface of the housing.
 24. The method of claim 14, wherein the combustible material ignition region is within the housing.
 25. The method of claim 14, wherein the combustible material ignition region includes a basket or container for containing the combustible material.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the basket or container is removable from the housing.
 27. An ignition device comprising: an infrared radiation source associated with the housing, the infrared radiation source including an electrical resistance filament in a bulb or tube with infrared transmittable glass shielding; and a combustible material ignition region adjacent to the infrared radiation source. 